It was bound to happen: Amazon launches first grocery store • The Register

Amazon has once again expanded its reach in all things commerce, this time with its own take on the grocery store.

A pilot program being carried out under the Amazon Fresh banner will allow Seattle residents to order various fresh grocery items (including produce and dairy) ahead of time, and then pick them up at an Amazon warehouse location.

The service, which is being offered for free to Amazon Prime members, lets customers shop online for groceries, then reserve a time to pick up. Once the order has been placed, customers drive to one of the two Seattle locations and Amazon workers will load the order directly into the customer’s car. Orders can also be picked up from a waiting room.

Amazon says the orders will be ready for pickup as quickly as 15 minutes after they’re placed.

“Whether you’re shopping for your weekly groceries or picking up a last-minute item, we have thousands of grocery items available at low prices – including high-quality meats, fresh produce, bread, dairy, household essentials and more,” Amazon says of the grocery service.